Nordic-Baltic Countries' Cooperation with India UPSC

NORDIC-BALTIC COOPERATION NB8

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Context: Nordic-Baltic nations participating in the Raisina Dialogue advocate for free trade, democracy, and human rights as key pillars for building a more peaceful world.

Key Highlights

The visit is aimed at fostering cooperation and trust between the NB8 countries and India. It emphasizes the importance of positive global cooperation, especially in the face of geopolitical shifts and conflicts like Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The representatives highlight the need for increased trust, dialogue, and cooperation in turbulent times to protect peace, oppose aggression, uphold a rules-based world order, and strengthen the global economy through free trade and sustainability.

About Nordic-Baltic Cooperation (NB8)

Aspects	Details
Founded	In 1992, established during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Baltic states regaining independence. This marked a historic shift in regional dynamics, prompting closer collaboration.
Members	The NB8 comprises eight countries from the northern region, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. These countries share geographical proximity and have deep historical, social, economic, and cultural ties.
Objective	Promote regional cooperation and dialogue: Foster stronger ties within the region, address shared challenges, and build a common voice. Enhance regional influence on the global stage: Speak with a unified voice on global issues and contribute to shaping the international agenda.
Structure	Informal format: Encourages flexibility and allows for quick adaptation to changing circumstances. Regular meetings at various levels: Ensures broad participation and facilitates decision-making across different governmental sectors. Decision-making by consensus: Promotes inclusivity and ensures all members have a say in shaping the direction of cooperation. Rotating secretariat: Every two years, a member state hosts the secretariat, fostering shared ownership and responsibility.
Key Values	Democracy: Commitment to free and fair elections, human rights, and the rule of law. Human Rights: Upholding and promoting human rights across the region and globally. Multilateralism: Working through international institutions and organizations to address global challenges. Rule of Law: Adherence to the rule of law and international law principles. International Law: Respecting and upholding international law as a cornerstone of a peaceful and stable international order.
Relationship with India	Long-standing and growing partnership. Cooperation in various fields like innovation, green transition, security, and trade. Shared commitment to global security and prosperity. The NB8 sees India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

The visit to India by the NB8 represents their first joint high-level delegation outside Europe. India has been chosen as the first destination for several reasons. Building on their strong commitment to the multilateral system, the NB8 aims to increase dialogue and cooperation on issues dominating India's and other global partners' agendas.

Must Read Articles:

RAISINA DIALOGUE: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/raisina-dialogue-19#:~:text=The%20Raisina%20Dialogue%20aims%20to,%2C%20academics%2C%20and%20media%20representatives.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Nordic-Baltic Cooperation (NB8)?

A) Denmark

B) Germany

C) Finland

D) Norway

Answer: B

Explanation: Germany is not a member of the NB8. While Germany shares geographical proximity with some Nordic countries, it is not part of the region or cooperation. The other options, Denmark, Finland, and Norway, are all members of the NB8.